Housekeeper

 

Private residence housekeeper duties

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• Cleaning and maintaining the house, making sure standards are maintained as per the employer’s requirements

• Cleaning and sanitising toilets, showers/bathtubs, worktops, sink and the kitchen area, keeping bathrooms stocked with toiletries, clean linens, and other supplies

• Polishing and dusting furniture and fixtures, cleaning mirrors and other glass surfaces, washing windows. Steaming and cleaning draperies and washing blinds

• Making beds and changing linens, ironing clothing items. Vacuuming and cleaning carpets and rugs, sweeping, polishing, and mopping hard floors

• Using any cleaning equipment such as vacuums, steam cleaners and mops. Monitoring and requesting cleaning supplies as needed. Reporting any necessary repairs or replacements to equipment used. Washing, loading, sorting, and unloading laundry. Tidying all rooms

• Emptying waste baskets bins and disposing of waste

 

 

Skills and qualifications

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You do not need any qualifications to become a housekeeper but some previous experience in a similar role or in a social care and health setting are really useful, as are the following:

 

• Knowledge of and experience in cleaning and sanitising rooms to varying levels to meet requirements

• Willingness to learn new cleaning methods and how to use various pieces of equipment

• Ability to adapt to different situations and change work processes to accommodate client needs

• Ability to accept constructive criticism; listening skills to make sure that you are meeting your employer’s requirements for cleanliness and sanitation

• Organisational skills; integrity; honesty; reliability, with high energy levels

 

 

Pay

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Earnings are dependent on the duties and size of the house in which you are employed, and whether you live in or out. Earnings will vary from permanent, temporary, full-time, or part-time engagements. Expect to pay an hourly rate of £9 - £14. Sometimes there can be a bonus of £200-£2000. A £15,000 to £26,000 salary is the national average, however housekeepers in Kensington earn an average of 45% more, and in greater London, 20% more than the national average.

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Midas has a candidate database of experienced private household staff. If you require a head housekeeper, housekeeper or housekeeper cook then we can help. Please contact us either via client submission section or telephone and one of our experienced staff will help you find the right person for you.

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Housekeeper/Cook

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A housekeeper/cook is a flexible, multifaceted, and important role for today’s modern, efficient household. This solution is perfect if you want to downsize your staff by combining two roles into one. This is becoming a more and more popular choice particularly for employers who have multiple households. Hiring a housekeeper/cook makes economic sense.

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​The flexibility of the role should satisfy the family’s needs and could include the following housekeeping and cooking duties: (also see Head Housekeeper and Housekeeper links)

 

• Grocery shopping and some family style cooking as required including standard housekeeper duties

• Deep cleaning of all rooms, laundry, furniture & antiques care

• Inventory and stocking of larder and pantry, running errands as required

• Laundry and ironing

• Organising the home and managing projects

• Help with the care of pets, perhaps some dog-walking and feeding

• Depending on your household requirements, the housekeeper/cook could prepare meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, or special dinners when you entertain with several guests or, if you require a family meal, the ideal housekeeper/cook for you will be aware of dietary needs and different customs

• Knowledge of housekeeping and cleaning procedures of fine furnishings, antiques and marble and experience of working in formal environments with finer furnishings

• Culinary skills and training

• A complete, regularly scheduled deep-cleaning of the home

 

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Pay

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Housekeeper/cook salary in the United Kingdom is around £29,250 per year or £15 per hour. Entry level positions start at £16,088 per year while most experienced live-in housekeeper/cooks earn £45,000, and benefits, which can include return flights if working abroad.